Any way to make hair thicker or even just look thicker after chemo?

[StarsInTheNightSky]

Does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to make my hair either actually thicker, or just look thicker?
I've had chemo and quite a few surgeries recently and my hair is extremely thin. A lot of it has fallen out completely. I've tried using aphogee two step, which helps a bit, but not much, I do weekly coconut oil hair masks and leave it on over night, I massage argan oil into my hair, I've given up blow drying and straightening it, what else can I do?

I'm not allowed to take supplements due to some of the medication I'm on, but I drink lots of water and eat healthilly. I have long champagne blonde hair. Well, it used to be long, now half of what's left is below my bra strap and the other half is just under my chin. I can put it into a messy bun and that seems to hide the thinnness the best, but I've even been considering one of those fake ponytails. Are they any good?

We live overseas in an extremely remote area, but my best friend still lives in the UK and is happy to post things which don't have an international delivery option. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[prettywhiteguitar]

I think the fake ponytails are best bought off a hairdressers, my friend just bought one and it looks very wrong.

I have a lot of very fine hair of all different layers (joy) my hair looks best when I have a blunt cut in a long bob or just under the shoulders. I haven't tried any shampoos but if anyone has it would be interesting ???

[StarsInTheNightSky]

Ahh that's a shame. I had suspected as much but was holding out hope for a quick fix. The nearest hairdresser is five hours drive away, so looks like that won't be an option!
I have been debating a short hairstyle again, but I loved my long hair and feel very sad about giving it up.

[Georgethesecond]

The Alpecin shampoo makes hair look thicker by coating the hair shaft and I know it works, but it don't have any idea whether it is appropriate after chemotherapy

[StarsInTheNightSky]

George I'm willing to try anything (that the doctor hasn't banned) it sounds good thanks, I'll have a look and see if I can find somewhere selling it who can ship here.

[burnishedsilver]

I know someone who wears one of these and I'd never have known it wasn't her real hair if she hadn't told me. Its hit and miss with the colour. It would have to be a close match.

www.boots.com/en/Babyliss-Twister-Golden-Blonde_1189959/

I've had good results with the shampoo, conditioner and root blow dry spray in this range. I found it enough to use the shampoo or the conditioner. I was getting too much volume using both.

www.boots.com/en/John-Frieda/Luxurious-Volume/

[Floralnomad]

I was also going to say Alpecin shampoo .

[tubbytimmy]

Fast shampoo and conditioner sold in boots it's pricy at £30 but has good reviews.

[tubbytimmy]

m.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?unCountry=uk&path=/en/FAST-Shampoo-Conditioner-Set-300ml_1303094/

[Tobiasfunke]

I saw 2 people recently with fake ponytails and there were amazing. They were relatively expensive ones that matched their hair colour- I'm sorry I don't know where from but if you have a google I'm sure you'll find good ones out there.

[StarsInTheNightSky]

burnishedsilver really? That looks brilliant, and its very cheap too which is always nice I'm going to order one and hope for the best. Thank you. The John Frieda stuff looks good too, I'll have a proper look and read the reviews later thanks.

Seems like ordering some Alpecin would be a good idea, from my cursory look it looks good, I'll have another look in a minute thanks.

tubbytimmy I don't really mind how expensive, well, within reason, I'm not forking out thousands for one bottle. I'll have a good read of it, it sounds really promising thanks.

Tobias I have found some expensive ones online, and they did look good, but I don't know anyone who's had one so was a bit skeptical, that's really good to know though thanks.

[burnishedsilver]

There are a few brands available stars and tbh I'm not sure which brand she uses but it looks great. At that price nothing ventured nothing gained.

[StarsInTheNightSky]

Absolutely thanks burnishedsilver and in all honesty where we live is so remote that the only people I see on a daily basis other than DH and DS are employed by us, and are highly unlikely to notice anyway. It's more for my sake so that when I look in the mirror I feel a bit better, and so there a bit less of a stark visible reminder that I have cancer. It sounds silly wjhen I put it like that, but not being reminded every time I pass a mirror or window would be nice.

[misslemonsfilingcabinet]

I'm sorry to hear you have been through so much. I have crappy thin hair and a lifelong quest to find the best treatments! Honestly I don't think a huge amount works. Try to keep your iron levels up and fish oil supplements. Some people have used biotin and B complex but I think no evidence for this. There is a chat forum for cancer related hair loss but I'm afraid I can't find it after googling.
I found the Aveda 3 step treatment made my hair very dry and tittle but I like their hairspray- it's sticky but really adds oomph. A good cut and if you were ever in London with cash to burn, a trip to Philip Kingsley? The website has some good advice. Or a registered trichologist, an assessment costs about £50-£100 for most, I think. Could you afford a good cut to even it up a bit.

Sorry, long post but feel for you and glad you are now well again

[StarsInTheNightSky]

misslemons thank you for such a lovely and helpful post. Unfortunately no chance of a professional hair cut at the minute, our nearest hairdresser is five hours drive away along almost impassable roads (we live in extremely remote South America) and with hernit seems to be mullets or close shaven . I'll get our housekeeper to have a go at evening it out, she's actually not bad at haircutting. I'll look on Philip Kingsley's website too, that's a great idea thanks. I'll have a look at the aveda too, I love their products but haven't ever used the hairspray. Thank you.

[LHReturns]

OP how about some clip in hair extensions that clip in under your hair along the back.

Something like this, but there are probably better ones...

www.cliphair.co.uk/Quad-weft-hair-extensions/

Good ones can be seriously effective. You wouldn't necessarily need long clip in, just to add thickness? Your friend could send to you?

Remote South America sounds pretty wonderful right now!